Type and Location of Your Rain Gauge

[NiceBill]

 Just thought I would post how much of a difference there can be in the amount of rain captured in a rain  gauge relevant to the type and location of the gauge during a storm, in the same general area.

The gauges used during this sample are all rated as top of the line.

Rain fall readings can and will change drastically, even located 3 houses down the road.

First a description of the area where the rain gauges are placed.

There are four gauges in use,  one 8" Friez, one Davis TB and two 4"

Two gauges are located 24' north of the house [station 1].  No obstructions from the N - E - or W.  They are 12' apart.  The gauges are identified as, Davis Tipping Bucket or the TB and the other gauge is identified as the A4".

Two other gauges [station 2] are located a distance of 120' SW of station 1.  No obstructions from the N or S. They are 15' apart N to S and have 40' trees 30' away  (eather side) E&W running N to S.  The gauges are identified as Friez 8" or the 8" and the other gauge is identified as the B4".

Below is a 24 hr. observation, 5-10 to 5-11-08.  8:00am to 8:00am.  IL-DW3 Clinton 1.7 SSW
Wind =  S to SSE, 20 to 30 mph during the observation.

Station 1,  [TB=1.99" - (*) A4"=1.82"]  Station 2,  [8"=1.68" - B4"=1.61"] All rain start, stop times and rain fall rates are also documented.  As reported (*) to CoCoRaHS 5-11-08 8:00 am.

Go figure,

Bill.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[Admin]

I have 2 manual gauges and 1 Davis tipping bucket in my back yard. For the Sunday event, the readings were 1.58 from the tipping bucket, 1.72 from manual gauge on fence, and 1.95 from the manual gauge with the best "exposure". Usually my 2 manual gauges read a hundredth or 2 difference (they are about 100 ft apart) but the wind had a major impact this event. Wind currents up and over the gauge mounted on the north-south fence really limited the true catch. It really underscores the importance of correct placement of the CoCoRaHS gauge. The automated tipping bucket rarely equals the manual gauge.